Straw bale home meets energy efficiency challenges

A leading solar integrator in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, Solar Gain Services has been offering solar thermal and photovoltaics to commercial and residential clients since 2007.

When co-owner Luke Christy—NABCEP certified as both a solar heating installer and as a PV installation professional—received a call from a homeowner in Sagauche, Colo., to reduce the overall energy usage footprint as low as reasonably possible, he had the tools and pedigree to meet the energy challenge. The 2,000-sq.-ft. home was built to LEED Gold standards, is heavily insulated, incorporates passive solar features, and has a grid-tied solar electric system to help offset the electrical energy consumption.

The solution, after taking into account available budgets and the highly efficient home, was to install a hybrid combi-system—for domestic hot water (DHW) and radiant floor heat—with a large amount of thermal storage. A copper single pass tube coiled within the tank serves as the primary means of heating DHW. Since the tank is purposely stratified, with the top of the tank always being charged first. “This technique works very well,” says Christy. A setpoint control activates a Caleffi 3-way valve to divert water from the single-pass through the tankless heater when the tank temperature is low.

Eight installed Viessmann Vitosol 100 solar collectors heat a 700-gallon custom stainless steel tank through a brazed plate heat exchanger, and Christy opted to go without a mod-con boiler for back-up heat to reduce costs. Instead, a gas-fired tankless water heater paired with a plate heat exchanger and some control logic serves as a back-up heat source.

A Caleffi iSolar BX solar controller charges the storage tank in two vertical stages to ensure that the top of the tank is always as hot as possible, even in winter. This helps preheat DHW through a single-pass copper coil heat exchanger, and in practice the thermal system is able to supply solar heated DHW for most of the year without any assistance from the gas water heater. “A Caleffi BX differential controller was selected because of its ability to charge the tank in upper and lower stages. This is accomplished via a Caleffi 3-way valve that diverts the flow to the tank from the water side of the heat exchanger. This helps the upper stage stay hotter at times of low solar harvest,” says Christy.

The radiant floor distribution system extracts heat from the storage tank until a low temperature setpoint is reached, at which point the gas-fired backup is enabled. “We have used Caleffi products since 2007, when they were introduced to us by Low Energy Systems in Denver. As a system designer I appreciate the extremely high level of quality of the products, as well as the comprehensive range of products available,” says Christy.

In addition to the solar controller, Christy relied on Caleffi components throughout the install, including four Caleffi thermostatic operator zone valves, an air separator, a backflow preventer and pressure reducing valve, a balancing valve, two thermostatic mixing valves, two 3-way zone valves, flowmeter, eight sweat union connectors—used for making plate heat exchanger connections—and a small automatic air vent. In fact, the radiant loop extracts heat from the storage through a second plate heat exchanger, and delivers it to the radiant slab through an assortment of Caleffi products — a thermostatic mixing valve, a balancing valve, a bypass valve and zone valves.

Challenges Met

One challenge in particular was the lack of a proper mechanical space for the system piping and components. Once the solar storage tank was in place, Christy realized that the space could be sheathed in plywood and used as a substrate for mounting components. However, we ended up needing all the available area of the tank exterior, which resulted in the system completely covering and wrapping around the tank.

Another challenge was the homeowners desire for solar collectors in a specific place, which was about 150’ away from the mechanical area. This resulted in a very long pipeline to and from the collectors, with potential flow and heat loss issues. These issues were resolved by using oversized and heavily insulated underground piping, as well as a larger collector loop pump.

Customer ‘Pipes’ In

This system has just gone through its third winter of operation and has been an outstanding success, with a glowing report from the homeowners and zero service calls. The homeowners report that they are comfortable all year round and only refill their 250-gallon propane tank once a year. The single tank supplies all the fuel for the heating and DHW backup, as well as a gas range and a gas fired clothes dryer, so the savings would seem to be significant. On future installations of this kind we will be installing a web-connected energy meter, which will enable us to collect enough system data to translate the daily energy harvest into the corresponding economic benefits.

“The homeowners have had nothing but good things to say about the system. We did not have a single callback on the system until a severe windstorm damaged some collector mounting hardware three years after the system was commissioned. When we checked system operation at that point, everything was still performing properly, with no leaks or control glitches,” says Christy.

Caleffi Excellence

According to Christy, Callefi’s commitment to innovation and constant improvement is extremely important, as is their commitment to education and training. The Coffee with Caleffi webinar series and their Idronics publications are a really valuable resource for the hydronics professional constantly looking to hone his/her skills.

The Challenger, Triangle Tube’s high efficiency condensing gas boiler, features a newly upgraded system that allows for an AFUE of 95%– making it more energy efficient than ever. The Challenger has a reliable copper tube/aluminum block heat exchanger paired with an advanced control that automatically regulates the capacity of the boiler. As an added benefit … Continue reading Triangle Tube Challenger Combi-boiler→

The new Aspen and Aspen Light Commercial condensing boilers are part of U.S. Boiler Company’s recently updated high efficiency product line. The boilers feature a 10:1 turndown ratio, up to 96% AFUE, and low emissions. With a stainless steel, vertical firetube heat exchanger, the Aspen line includes seven sizes between 85 and 399 MBH, with … Continue reading U.S. Boiler Aspen Firetube Boiler→

Most of you have been there. Looking up to the heavens with outstretched arms, you exclaim loudly, “Why?!” I’m talking about working in the smallest mechanical rooms known to mankind. How does one navigate them to work efficiently? I asked some contractors and here are some quick tips: Have scene safety. Know your surroundings. Check … Continue reading 25 Quick Tips for Working in Small Mechanical Spaces→

A diverse group of commercial manufacturers from the United States, Mexico, and Canada — supported by IAPMO and members of the Hydronics Industry Alliance, a Committee of the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) — has taken on the challenge of delivering a total commercial building HVAC system efficiency comparison tool that is now available online at … Continue reading Introducing BEST: The Building Efficiency System Tool™ Powered by BEER→

Complex hydronic systems are so 2008, at least according to Mechanical-Hub ProStaffer Andy Mickelson, who owns Mickelson Plumbing and Heating in Missoula, Mont. His three-man shop does plenty of high-end residential work, and even here—no—especially here, their recipe for success, serviceability and efficiency includes a heavy dose of “keep it simple.” On a custom home, … Continue reading Hydronic system simplicity→

Making the case for hydronics: three advantages of water-based HVAC systems over VRF In an ongoing effort to meet the comfort, cost and energy-efficiency expectations of the commercial building industry, design engineers, building owners and mechanical contractors are constantly re-examining the technology and components of HVAC systems. Hydronic systems and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) … Continue reading Hydronic systems are the natural choice→

Keith and Jenessa Frey’s dream took form in a 3,000-sq.-ft., three bedroom log home—located in Lancaster, Pa.—with space for two additional bedrooms. Jenessa’s kitchen occupies one end of the large open area on the main floor, blending easily into the great room with a tall stone fireplace. Heating and cooling equipment were much smaller than … Continue reading Hydronic comfort provided at new log home→

ProStaff member Andy Mickelson, Mickelson Plumbing & Heating, takes us onsite in Missoula, Montana to show us how a simple mechanical room can provide premium efficiency and perfect comfort through hydronic applications.

Known as the “Crescent,” the 95,000-sq.-ft. addition to Boston International Airport’s Terminal E—which serves all international arrivals and most international departures—adds three new gates, each with two parallel jetways to accommodate boarding at both levels of an A380 aircraft, or front and rear exits of other aircraft. Without these larger boarding gates, the economic viability … Continue reading Solar Thermal at Logan International’s Terminal E→

It’s well-known that copper (2″ and down) has dominated the hydronic heating and cooling market for decades. However, with the need to value engineer projects and still ensure high quality while staying on schedule, professionals in the industry are looking to new materials for solutions to improve profitability, increase system performance and meet the tight … Continue reading Take a look at PEX for hydronic piping systems→

A failing steam heating system posed many issues and challenges for facility services at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Retrofitting campus buildings with high efficiency condensing boilers from Weil-McLain provided the solution needed for improved, head-of-the-class heating at the school. Cornell College was founded in 1853 by George Bryant Bowman, a minister from North … Continue reading High efficiency boilers earn high grades at Iowa college campus→

Utica, N.Y. — Dunkirk Boilers is a proud to sponsor Kristy and Anna Berington of Seeing Double Sled Dog Racing as they participate in the 2017 Iditarod, The Last Great Race®. The Ceremonial Start ran out of downtown Anchorage on Saturday, March 4th, but mushers then drove the 350 miles or so with their teams … Continue reading Dunkirk Boilers partners with 2017 Iditarod dog sled team→

Fourth-generation, family-owned heating companies are a bit rare, but New England still has a few of them. J. J. Sullivan Fuel and Propane, in Guilford, CT, got its humble start as a gas station and grocery store in 1925. Coal, kerosene and fuel oil delivery were added to their list of services over the years, … Continue reading J.J. Sullivan — Family owned, locally focused→

Forget the shovel and the salt the next time it snows or ices. Viega snow melting systems keep walkways and other surfaces free of slippery spots through radiant heating technology. With a variety of controls and sensors, the system practically operates itself. Ideal for driveways, parking lots, helicopter landing pads and any other type of … Continue reading Viega Snow-melt Insulated Tubing System→

Taco Comfort Solutions is proud to announce Robert Bean as the 2017 recipient of the Dan Holohan Lifetime Contribution to Comfort Award. The award was presented on Monday, January 30 at the AHR 2017 Show in Las Vegas. The Dan Holohan Lifetime Contribution to Comfort Award is given annually to an HVAC professional or company … Continue reading Taco presents the Dan Holohan Comfort Award at AHR 2017→

As I was finishing up an 18-month consulting project, I took the opportunity to visit the basement boiler room. The room sits cold now with two huge boilers that have been replaced by a modern state-of-the-art distributed geothermal heat pump system. In my mind, I could see the boiler fired and operating, providing heat for … Continue reading Geothermal: Built To Last a Lifetime→

The owner of a 2,800-sq.-ft. home in New Milford, Penn., was experiencing uneven heat throughout the residence, limited hot water and high utility costs. The installation of a new hydronic heating system helped drive home significant energy savings and ensure that “no place like home” feeling. Kirk Walthers, owner of the two-story residence on Main … Continue reading Hydronics installation drives home energy savings→

With an increasing demand for high quality, energy efficient heating products, ACV Triangle Tube is announced that they have invested in a new, state-of-the-art production facility. Designed to streamline the manufacturing process and to produce goods at a higher capacity, this new facility utilizes a completely automated robotics line. This sophisticated production process employs … Continue reading ACV Triangle Tube invests in future with new manufacturing facility→

Uponor North America (Uponor) announced the next generation in wireless controls for residential hydronic radiant floor heating systems. The new Climate Control Zoning System II features an innovative technology called Autobalancing that boasts 25% faster reaction times and up to 20% greater energy savings for radiant floor heating systems. The new Autobalancing technology in the … Continue reading New Uponor wireless control offers efficiencies for radiant systems→

The owner of a 2,800-square foot home in New Milford, Penn., was experiencing uneven heat throughout the residence, limited hot water and high utility costs. The installation of a new hydronic heating system helped drive home significant energy savings and ensure that “no place like home” feeling. Kirk Walthers, owner of the two-story residence on … Continue reading Boiler installation drives home energy savings→

REHAU’s RAUPEX® SPEED radiant overpour fastening system allows contractors to install heating pipe in overpour and concrete installations up to 30% faster. The RAUPEX SPEED O2 barrier pipe, with hook-and-loop wrap, is walked on to the RAUPEX SPEED mat without the use of specialized tools, not only saving time but also providing ergonomic advantages. The … Continue reading REHAU RAUPEX® SPEED→

Turn of the 20th Century Luxury Apartment Building Restored to Former Heating Glory Weil-McLain Atmospheric Draft Steam Boiler Key to Overhaul Built at the turn of the last century in 1901, the seven-story Mendota is Washington D.C.’s oldest intact luxury apartment building. Though much of the building had been restored over the years, one area … Continue reading D.C.’s Oldest Apartment Building Restored to Former Heating Glory→

With all the technologies for green building today, the statement ‘A model of sustainable design’ has almost become cliché. Yet Clemson University’s Lee Hall expansion (Lee III) is actually designed to teach sustainable building design by example — literally — with an online real-time energy usage dashboard, truly making it a model for students and … Continue reading Clemson University’s Lee III: A teaching model for sustainable design→

SunTouch launched the HeatMatrix uncoupling membrane that offers a flexible, easy-to-install solution for WarmWire underfloor electric radiant heating. Heating wire in HeatMatrix may be installed horizontally or vertically, providing professional installers and DIYers a convenient way to accommodate a variety of underfloor spaces. And because HeatMatrix has less rollback memory, it lays down flatter and … Continue reading SunTouch HeatMatrix uncoupling membrane→

One hundred and thirty five years ago, Isadore and Benjamin Weil opened a modest plumbing business located on Randolph Street in Chicago’s Loop – now a major company known as Weil-McLain. Since its inception in 1881, Weil-McLain has grown to become a leading designer and manufacturer of hydronic comfort heating systems for residential, commercial and … Continue reading Weil-McLain celebrates 135 years→

Since opening its doors in 1873, YWCA Toronto has worked to improve the lives of women and girls by providing training, educational opportunities and housing, while advocating for systematic change. As part of this effort, the organization has recently completed construction of the YWCA Elm Centre, an $80 million, 302-unit affordable and supportive permanent housing … Continue reading YWCA Toronto Elm Centre project features thermally active slab design→

De Bortoli Wines were looking to expand their bottling lines to keep up with increased demand. This was seen as an opportunity to not only increase efficiency of the production line, but also design the new plant with energy efficiency in mind to reduce their overall energy usage, this included utilizing wall and ceiling insulation, … Continue reading Solar thermal helps winery thrive Down Under→

In 2012, Johnson Controls, Inc. published a white paper I wrote titled “Solar Thermal Energy: The Time Has Come.” In it, I stated “Solar heating, often overshadowed by photovoltaic systems, is the most cost-effective on-site renewable energy resource. It presents a vast opportunity for public and private organizations to save on fossil fuels, cut costs, … Continue reading Solar Thermal Energy: Why the wait?→

Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr, Caleffi training and education manager, takes a fresh look at solar thermal systems, revisiting the latest in step-by-step system design so that the audience can be certain of a top-notch system on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 12 noon CDT during the monthly webinar series, Coffee with Caleffi™. Rohr will uncover … Continue reading Coffee with Caleffi™: Rohr revisits solar thermal→

A medical center in Chicago required a quick and efficient remedy to nurse its aging and failing boiler heating system back to good health. The newest high efficiency condensing boilers from Weil-McLain provided the medicine needed. Larry Latas, system director for multiple medical facilities in Chicago, needed to upgrade the aging boiler at the 15,000-square-foot … Continue reading Condensing boilers remedy aging medical facility’s heating system→

Lochinvar Celebrates 30yrs of Power-Fin® Commercial Product Line The pioneer product of efficient heating experiences a milestone in July 2016 Tennessee-based Lochinvar, LLC is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its industry-changing Power-Fin product line this July. “As a company, we are proud to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Power-Fin product line. This product line … Continue reading 30 yrs of Power-Fin by Lochinvar→

For decades, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) has recognized the importance of environmental responsibility, making it a key facet of the firm’s corporate culture and citizenship. Recently, new ultra-green initiatives demonstrate just how far the company is willing to push the envelope. It’s a good thing because — as we all know — the … Continue reading MassMutual’s solar makeover→

Job Scope: Remote lake home with hydronics ceilings & panel radiators Dual-fuel system (Electric boiler w/ High efficiency back-up) Not directly connected to water supply for system fill/maintenance Not all hydronics systems [or solar thermal systems] are connected to a water supply for filling and maintenance. In the case of our family’s lake home in … Continue reading Review: Neutra-Safe System Feeder NSSF6-2→

Over 6 hours of Dan Holohan’s popular seminars are now available for online viewing. You can download and watch Dead Men’s Steam School and Classic Hydronics from the comfort of your own home and on your own timeline. These are the exact seminars that Dan has given to sold-out crowds across the US and beyond. … Continue reading 2 Holohan seminars available for download→

That’s not the name of a southern rock band, but it could be. It would also make a great name for a project that Kelleher Heating and Cooling took on recently, just outside of Richmond, Va. Dating back to the 1700s, the historic Brook Hill estate has been home to dozens of Virginia dignitaries, and … Continue reading Dixieland Hydronic→

With failing boilers and an inefficient heating system, historic Zion Episcopal Church in Oconomowoc, Wis., needed guidance and help. New, high efficiency condensing boilers from Weil-McLain provided the answer to solve their heating woes. Zion Episcopal Church is a Wisconsin landmark founded more than a century and a half ago. In 1846, the Rt. Reverend … Continue reading Historic church sings praises of high efficiency condensing boilers→

In response to a growing interest in residential and commercial solar energy systems, IAPMO first developed and published the Uniform Solar Energy Code in 1976. Just like the 2009 and 2012 editions of this code, the 2015 Uniform Solar Energy and Hydronics code (USEHC) was developed using IAPMO’s American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited open consensus … Continue reading Reviewing the 2015 solar & hydronics code→

Lebanon, Tenn, — Lochinvar has announced the final winners in the 2015-2016 VIP Contractor Program. The seven-month program, which culminated in April, rewarded participating contractors for their impressive installations, product registrations and overall performance throughout the heating season. Among the 14 entries posted in April’s VIP Installation Showcase, the top three submissions were selected as … Continue reading Lochinvar names latest & last winners of 2015-2016 VIP Contractor Program→

I recently started up the heating system for our family’s cabin in Northern Minnesota. Yeah, recent as in a couple weeks ago when our heating systems were still needed overnight and even some days. The heating system is a hybrid of panel radiators and radiant ceilings with a few feet of baseboard in the mix. … Continue reading Radiant Ceiling Installation→

Governor Dayton proclaims May 16 Uponor Day in Minnesota Apple Valley, MN, May 17, 2016 — Uponor North America (Uponor) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the company’s ninth expansion in Apple Valley and the 11th in the greater Twin Cities area. Gov. Mark Dayton, along with several political and community … Continue reading Uponor’s $18M expansion provides new jobs in Apple Valley→

The expandable Grundfos UPZC series of zone controls manage circulator and boiler control in residential hydronic heating systems. The non-networked devices control up to six heating zones and can be coupled together in various configurations to accommodate any application. Boiler pumps, domestic hot water pumps, system pumps and pump priority are all controlled from the … Continue reading Grundfos UPZC hydronic zone controls→

Climate-Tech, Inc. is a third-generation family-owned business serving western Cuyahoga and parts of Lorain County Pennsylvania. The business was started in 1972 by John E. Dubecky (originally called Budget Air) and grew to an Angie’s List super service award-winning business for the last 13 years, specializing in indoor climate control. Currently operated by John J. … Continue reading Ohio commercial building boiler retrofit→

On April 20, Watts Water Technologies announced the grand opening of the Watts Works Learning Center, a 12,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art facility where customers, distributors, sales representatives, and others can obtain hands-on experience with the company’s plumbing, HVAC, and water quality products and technologies. The 12,000-square-foot facility includes configurable classrooms, demonstration labs, and working mechanical rooms that … Continue reading Watts opens Watts Works Learning Center→

Seen at AHR, Navien’s newest industry-first innovation, NaviLink, is now available through Navien wholesale distribution. This optional new Wi‑Fi remote control system makes it easy for commercial and residential users to communicate with their Navien systems from anywhere in the world. The NaviLink module attaches easily to all Navien water heaters and boilers (NPE series, … Continue reading NaviLink™ available through Navien wholesale distribution→

The Presscon™ press fitting, with its exclusive LEAK DETECTION feature, will detect leaks during system testing if a press fitting is unpressed. Caleffi was the first to introduce zone valves with press fittings and is now expanding the fitting to its broad range of hydronic components. Press sizes from ½” to 2” copper will be … Continue reading Caleffi Presscon™ Press Fitting Line Expansion→

Irvine, Calif. — Navien, Inc. has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County to build multiple homes in Cypress, CA by donating six tankless water heaters for their current projects and providing staff volunteer labor. A total of nineteen volunteers from Navien met with Habitat for Humanity on March 18th and spent the day … Continue reading Navien partners with Habitat for Humanity→

Building owners and commercial system designers and installers now have a bigger ally in Taco. The company has broadly expanded the capabilities of its iWorX control platform to provide an updated graphical user experience. A tablet, PC or smart phone now acts as the local control interface for monitoring, system diagnostics and the new … Continue reading Taco’s expands iWorX building automation platform capabilities→

When the owners of a 10,000-sq.-ft. new construction high-end residential home in Aspen, Colo. was looking for a reliable company with extensive experience in hydronic heating and high-end residential plumbing, they looked no further than Top Gun Plumbing & Heating, Glenwood Springs, Colo. In addition to battling the elements, the design of the project presented … Continue reading Aspen, Colorado high-end home features high-end hydronics→

With Americans turning 65 at a rate of about 10,000 a day, it’s no wonder the explosive growth in the $300 billion U.S. senior housing sector is seeing yet another surge. In Rochester, Minn., home to the Mayo Clinic, several new facilities have gone up over the last several years, and one of them, the … Continue reading The Homestead of Rochester — Superior Mechanical→

Water is the essential fluid in all hydronic systems. Its quality affects the system’s overall efficiency, reliability, life expectancy and the effectiveness of chemical additives. The 18th edition of idronics™ discusses problems that can develop within hydronic systems when water quality is ignored. It lays our procedures for converting raw water into high quality water … Continue reading Caleffi releases new idronics: Water Quality in Hydronic Systems→

Lebanon, Tenn. — Lochinvar has announced its monthly VIP Contractor Program winners for January. The company rewards VIP Contractors throughout the heating season for impressive installations submitted in the VIP Installation Showcase and holds a monthly drawing for VIP Contractors who register qualified products. Of all the entries posted in January’s VIP Installation Showcase, which … Continue reading Lochinvar names January VIP program winners→

During the near-zero temperatures last week, the boiler change-out needed to happen without shutting off the heat. Installing a new boiler set-up while the old boiler was running took the highest level of hydronic expertise. I knew the homeowner had nothing to worry about as soon as I met Stephen Minnich, owner, Minnich Mechanical Design, … Continue reading The boiler change-out: Minnich Mechanical Design→

Preparing 144 college apartments for the rigors of winter in Vermont is no easy task. Achieving it while also meeting the needs for a LEED Silver rating is a rather extraordinary accomplishment. Now in their second winter at the University of Vermont’s “Redstone Lofts,” students have rated the apartments a “best-of” place to live while … Continue reading Redstone Lofts go green at University of Vermont→

At this year’s AHR Expo, Taco CEO Johnny White Jr. presented the Dan Holohan Lifetime Contribution to Comfort Award to Dan Holohan. The award’s inaugural presentation to its namesake, Dan Holohan, was called, by White, “just one small token of appreciation for a lifetime of tireless commitment to improving the trade and — in no … Continue reading Taco introduces the Dan Holohan Comfort Award at AHR Expo→

Ray Wohlfarth, international author of Lessons Learned in a Boiler Room and Lessons Learned: Connecting New Boilers to Old Pipes, has a new book on the service of hydronic and low pressure steam boilers, entitled, Lessons Learned Servicing Boilers. The book is filled with almost 300 pages of tips, rules of thumbs, formulas, and jobsite … Continue reading Must Own: Lessons Learned Servicing Boilers by Ray Wohlfarth→

The 2016 International Builders’ Show was a great place to see manufacturers show off their wares, and feature new technology. For tankless water heater manufacturer Noritz, it was a great place to announce that it has gotten into the boiler market with its new combi boiler. The CB Series of Combination (Combi) Boilers from Noritz … Continue reading Noritz introduces CB Series combi boilers→

With tens of thousands of registered mechanical firms around the country, naming a new company isn’t easy. Each approach can have advantages and drawbacks. For example, giving it the founder’s name might avoid availability issues, but it could hurt when it comes time to sell the company years down the road. Acronyms can be great, … Continue reading Outlaws in New Mexico→

WaterFurnace International, Inc. introduces HydroLogic, a turnkey solution for radiant heating that integrates seamlessly into a WaterFurnace geothermal system. It is a cost-effective product that takes the complexity and time out of radiant system installations. The main component of HydroLogic is a pre-piped, pre-wired modular mechanical panel designed to simplify installation. The panel supports cooling, … Continue reading WaterFurnace introduces HydroLogic, a simple solution for radiant heating→

Going to AHR in Orlando? Be sure to stop by the Caleffi booth (#1857) at 4:00 pm on Monday, January 25 for a chance to win John Siegenthaler’s new book. The first five names drawn win a signed copy of Heating with Renewable Energy.

We are excited to announce that Nolan Stanley, Ferguson Enterprises, is the winner of the most recent Hydronics CSI contest — Full flow boiler piping PROBLEM This was to be a Full Flow/Variable Primary System. Problem with current boiler piping: New install with six boilers, three boilers on one housekeeping pad, three boilers on another … Continue reading Winner announced for Hydronics CSI→

Bosch Thermotechnology is a leading source of high quality cooling and heating systems, including tankless, point-of-use and electric water heaters, floor-standing and wall-hung boilers, Bosch and FHP geothermal heat pump systems as well as controls and accessories for every product line. Bosch Thermotechnology is committed to reinventing energy efficiency by offering smart products that work … Continue reading Boiler primer: Bosch Thermotechnology Corp.→

The year-long contest — Caleffi Excellence — which is a platform where designers and installers of hydronic or plumbing systems can showcase their work and receive national recognition, has culminated in the announcement of the grand prize winner. Bill Olschewski of Tip Top Plumbing (Manitoba, Canada) and a guest of his choice has won a … Continue reading ‘Caleffi Excellence’ grand prize winner announced→

Skimming a steam boiler is the process of removing any oil from the water volume. If not completed properly, the presence of oil can cause the boiler to surge, as the water’s ability to flash to steam is affected. While US Boiler doesn’t use oil in the production of sections, oil can come from the … Continue reading Steam boiler skimming→

Mechanical Hub is proud to present its continuing Onsite Video Series. In this video, we feature Jason Ridgeway, owner of Ridgeway Home Services, as he talks about this 24,000-sq.-ft. custom residential geo/radiant project, which features Caleffi products.

By June 2016, occupants of the Porsche Design Tower on the shoreline of Florida’s Sunny Isles Beach will experience the best view in the city with the best products in the industry surrounding them, and Viega is proud to be one of them. Not only does the tower hold Viega’s ProPress® in ½” to 4″ … Continue reading Porsche Design Tower — Sunny Isles, Florida→

Mechanical Hub and Lochinvar are proud to team up to bring you the second feature in our Hydronics CSI series. Hub friend Paul Rohrs, design and application specialist for Lochinvar, has produced a hydronics design with intentional flaws in it. There are multiple mistakes with this diagram and it is up to you to … Continue reading Hydronic CSI: Full flow boiler piping→

tekmar unveiled its new app and online tool to assist users in designing their own snow & ice melting solutions. Contractors, engineers, and distributors can use the app and online tool to enter their design parameters and instantly receive the specific information they need to specify the correct control solution, prepare a quote, and successfully … Continue reading tekmar snow & ice melting app & online design tool→

Contractors, architects, engineers and others who specify commercial and industrial boilers continually seek systems that are more cost-effective, energy efficient and environmentally-friendly. The boiler industry has responded by making significant advances in both construction and design, with new systems offering greater efficiencies, cutting-edge technologies, advanced controls and the ability to integrate with renewable energy. Condensing … Continue reading Advances in boiler construction and design→

After 46 years in the heating industry, Dan Holohan is retiring from teaching, but not before imparting some wisdom on his daughter, Erin, as she takes over the family business. In his 374-page memoir, What Hydronics Taught Holohan, Dan shares entertaining stories and knowledge he has gained throughout his career as a manufacturers’ rep, writer, … Continue reading What Hydronics Taught Holohan→

Lochinvar has announced the first winners in its 2015-2016 VIP Contractor Program, which offers more prizes than ever before. From October through April, a total of four VIP Contractors are rewarded each month for their installations of Lochinvar’s residential boilers. Three of the monthly winners are selected among participants in the VIP Installation Showcase, an … Continue reading Lochinvar names first 2015-2016 VIP Contractors Program winners→

With a number of innovations, Weil-McLain® now offers an enhanced line of its popular SlimFit™ high-efficiency condensing gas boilers. New features include improved boiler-to-boiler communication, Modbus® and BACnet® for linking with BAS (building automation systems), express set up wizard, 10 preset typical heating systems, and updated controls interface for simpler navigation, at-a-glance boiler status, diagnostics … Continue reading SlimFit™ High-Efficiency Condensing Boilers→

Jason Ridgeway, owner of Ridgeway Home Services, relies on the Grundfos Magna pump for the snow-melt system of a 24,000-sq.-ft. custom-built home. Check out the latest video trailer in the Mechanical Hub Onsite Video Series.

Sunshine Plumbing Heating Air was recently recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies in Denver since 2012 with a 534% growth rate. Susan Frew, president and William Frew, vice president, are a husband and wife powerhouse ownership team whose company just won the 2015 ‘Fastest Growing Company’ award for the Denver Business … Continue reading Boiler, tankless install solves homeowner’s hot water concerns→

Caleffi expands its solutions to problems caused by ferrous oxide debris within hydronic systems. Ferrous oxide debris, which is abrasive and often microscopic, is created from the oxidation of iron or steel materials. It can deposit onto heat exchanger surfaces and accumulate in other components including circulators, causing reduced thermal efficiency and premature equipment wear. … Continue reading Caleffi DISCALDIRTMAG magnetic separation→